The containership Rio Madeira lost power off the New South Wales South Coast late on Thursday night, prompting the Australian Maritime Safety Authority to respond with towage assistance.
An AMSA spokesperson told DCN it tasked the specialised emergency towage vessel, Svitzer Glenrock, from Newcastle to provide towage assistance to the stricken vessel.
“The Svitzer Glenrock arrived to the location of the Rio Madeira 75 kilometres south of Narooma at 15:00 AEDT Saturday 22 October,” the spokesperson said.
“MV Rio Madeira advised AMSA the vessel had restored propulsion at 15:25 AEDT, prior to tow connection, and has proceeded under its own power. The ETV Svitzer Glenrock stood by and escorted the vessel.”
The spokesperson said Rio Madeira berthed at Port Botany at 15.30 AEDT on Sunday (23 October) with the assistance of four tugs.
They said AMSA would be inspecting the vessel regarding the mechanical issues.
A spokesperson for Maersk confirmed that the Hamburg Süd vessel Rio Madeira lost electrical power while at sea on 20 October, and it was able to restore power on 22 October.
“Currently, the vessel is berthing at Port Botany (Sydney Hutchison) and technicians from AIS Marine are onboard to investigate the cause of the technical issue,” the spokesperson said.
“Local authorities have been notified and customers have been informed directly. Cargo operation is planned in the following days.”
Singapore-flagged, 5908-TEU Rio Madeira is on Maersk’s Southern Star Service.
In an update to customers, Maersk said, “Due to vessel being delayed into Sydney, vessel will be delay [sic] southbound into New Zealand ports”.
The company said it expects the ship to depart Port Botany on Sunday (30 October).
